High Street, Maitland has seen a least one disasterous flood and this shop, believed to be original rather than reproduction, has survived those days.
Certain shop fronts and shop fittings stand the test of time and have significance. They are often altered and modernised and lose all significance. 
Folks in Maitland want the original shopping mall to be successful and patronised and a measure of old character and charm might possibly help the cause although, really, what can be done, so they may as well be left with some points of significance and preserve some aspects.